No bail for convicted rapist who allegedly cut and run

By Melissa Krull
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November 14, 2017 @9:41 PM

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ROME, N.Y. -- Ronald Cook, a convicted rapist at large for three days after allegedly cutting off his GPS and alcohol monitoring bracelets, was arraigned in Rome City Court on Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty to third-degree criminal mischief, a felony, and intent to damage property, a misdemeanor.

Cook, who previously served prison time for a 1991 conviction on first-degree rape, was on home confinement in Rome. On Wednesday, authorities say the 66-year-old cut off the bracelets with an unknown object. The bracelets were found in a basement bathroom garbage can at Saint Peter's Church on North James Street in Rome.

Over the next three days, there were reported sightings of Cook in both Scranton, Pa., and Binghamton, where he was ultimately apprehended.

Cook is held behind bars without the possibility of making bail, and is scheduled to appear in court again later this week.